Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

10 October 2024

Reading From Matthew 8:1-13, Luke 7

“So Jesus went with them.

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well”

 –Luke 7:6-12

     The Kingdom of God is available to anyone who reaches out to Jesus Christ in faith.  This centurion, while he was a friend to the Jews of his time, he was still a Gentile. Most Jews saw themselves as God’s chosen people and everyone else as “other.”

All throughout history, Yahweh has wanted Jew and Gentile alike to become part of His eternal family.  This greatly frustrates those who want Christianity to be an exclusive club.  The Way is both the most inclusive and exclusive message.  As we draw near to God, He draws near to us.

Salvation is available to whosoever will believe.  God loves everyone in the whole world, but there is a difference between love, acceptance and forgiveness.  God loves even those who choose not to believe in Him, but He won’t force them into the only relationship that gives life abundant and eternal. We must each come of our own accord.

The Lord extends His invitation to everyone, but only those who dare to trust Him are able to learn their true identity, the deepest sense of community, and the exciting adventure of an eternal destiny with Him in the New Eden; the New Heaven and the New Earth.

“Lord Jesus, I pray that You would reveal Yourself to more and more people in this chaotic and hurting world.  Reveal Yourself in a genuine and life-changing way.  Transform us into who You’ve called us to be.  Change us, O Lord, from glory to glory.  Thank You, Jesus.  Amen.”

For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.  That whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

–John 3:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” 

–Romans 1:16-17